Designer tampon applicator plunger and withdrawal string

ABSTRACT

A designer tampon applicator, plunger and withdrawal string is disclosed. The disclosed invention decreases the embarrassment and removes the stigma of menstruation by converting a feminine hygiene product requiring maximum discretion into a high-fashion accessory suitable for public display and personal or intimate adornment. The disclosed invention also allows use of a larger tampon pledget providing greater absorption of and a more effective barrier to menstrual flow. Furthermore, the designer withdrawal string provides a highly visible reminder a tampon is in place and very effective means of removing the tampon.

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This is a continuation of commonly owned U.S. patent applicationno. 09/875,672, filed Jun. 05, 2001. This prior patent application ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates generally to tampon applicators, andspecifically relates to designer tampon applicators and withdrawalstrings.

[0003] The catamenial tampon to absorb and obstruct the flow of mensesis a well-known product for personal feminine hygiene. There are threegeneral types of tampons: plunger, stick and digital, with plunger beingthe most prevalent type in the United States. Plunger tampons aregenerally formed of two telescoping tubes: an outer tube or applicatorcontaining the tampon pledget and an inner tube or plunger used to expelthe pledget. A withdrawal string, which passes through the plunger, isattached to the pledget. Typical of the art are the tampon applicator asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,177 issued to Fox and the tamponpledget as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,971 issued to Balzar.Plunger tampons should possess necessary attributes of absorbency,comfort, physical protection and psychological support.

[0004] Great effort has been expended in developing plunger tamponswhich are easy and comfortable to insert, swell to obstruct the vaginalcanal and absorb menses, are easy and comfortable to withdraw, and arereadily disposable. A plastic applicator with a “pattern” of grooves tofacilitate accelerated breakup when immersed in water is described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,395,308 issued to Fox. While the pattern of grooves maybe visually pleasing, the effect is incidental to the purpose.

[0005] Psychological support for the menstruating women has been limitedto issues of comfort, protection, discretion and deodorization.Protection and discretion are to some degree antagonistic. Protectiondictates a larger tampon delivering a more adequate barrier andincreased absorption, whereas discretion dictates a smaller tampon thatis more easily hidden and possesses decreased barrier and absorptiveproperties. A “floral petal” deodorant tag suspended at the mid-point ofthe withdrawal string is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,257 issued toBossak. Here the decorative value is incidental to the purpose ofproviding a vehicle to deliver deodorant.

[0006] Comparatively little effort has been expended on making thewithdrawal string that is easy to find, easy to grip, attractive andintentionally conspicuous after insertion. The increased comfort oftampons demands a conspicuous withdrawal string to prevent the tamponfrom being accidentally left in place. Yet, the withdrawal string isconsidered an item of discomfort and embarrassment, which the user doesnot want to feel, see or have inadvertently revealed. Revealing thewithdrawal string at the periphery of swimwear, sportswear, underwear orother clothing, even during intimacy, is considered a majorembarrassment. A tampon with internally packed “colored” withdrawalstring contrasting with the tampon pledget is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,863,636 issued to Johnson. Here the purpose of a string colorcontrasting with the tampon pledget is to facilitate the user findingthe string before insertion of the tampon rather than assisting the userto find the withdrawal string at the time of removal. There is no intentfor the “colored” string to be for public display or personal adornment.A reminder sticker to alert the user a tampon is in place is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,321 issued to Boone. However, this patent doesnot contemplate the reminder sticker to be attached to the withdrawalstring while the tampon is inserted, as it claims to solve the problemof reminding users “about tampons in use without the intrusiveness ofthe tag device of Bossak”. A “textured non-wicking” withdrawal string isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,984 issued to Brown. Here the principlepurpose of texturing the withdrawal string is to provide grippabilitywithout increasing diameter and consequently causing the user to noticeor feel the string when the tampon is in place. Again, there is nointent for the textured string to be for public display or personal orintimate adornment.

[0007] Although sexually mature females, unless pregnant, typicallymenstruate one week in four throughout their reproductive lives,menstruation and associated feminine hygiene products are still, even inthese enlightened times, considered a major source of embarrassment andstigmatization. While a necessity for sexually mature females, tamponapplicators and plungers are not considered suitable items for publicdisplay. Similarly, neither is a tampon withdrawal string considered asuitable item for personal or intimate adornment. The degree ofembarrassment associated with the use of catamenial tampons is evidencedby the effort to make the tampons smaller, easier to hide, and thus morediscrete. This embarrassment is emphasized by prior art in whichdecorative wallets, containers and cases are described to discreetlyhide tampons from public view. Typical of the art of camouflage are U.S.Pat. No. 5,004,106 issued to Blumstock, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,294 issuedto Blosser and U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,175 issued to Wright. Tampons shouldbe seen as a liberating invention yet they are forced to take a discreteplace in the bottom of purses and in grocery or drug store aisleslabeled “feminine protection.”

[0008] An important object of the current invention is to remove theembarrassment and stigma associated with menstruation. Removal ofembarrassment and stigma is accomplished by eliminating any need fordiscretion when using tampons. Removing embarrassment and stigma willraise the morale of the user. Raising the morale of the user is vitallyimportant at a time in the month when morale may be at its lowest due tobloating, cramping and mood swings resulting from hormonal changes.Raising the morale of the user is also vitally important at time of themonth when opportunities for intimacy have been limited. Menstruation,an indication of a woman's health and fertility, should not be anembarrassing misery to be publicly stigmatized and suffered in private.Instead, menstruation should be amenable to celebration throughfashionable display and personal or intimate adornment. A tampon shouldbe as suitable for public display as any other fashion accessory. Atampon should provide the same degree of personal adornment and privatepleasure as any other item of intimate apparel.

[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer tampon applicator andplunger which is not limited in size by the need to be hidden fordiscretion and thus capable of delivering a larger tampon pledgetproviding a more adequate barrier and increased absorption of menstrualflow.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer tampon applicator andplunger that will encourage more frequent changes of the tampon pledget.Frequent change of the tampon pledget decreases the risk of Toxic ShockSyndrome (TSS), a serious life-threatening infection.

[0011] It is also the object of the present invention to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer tampon applicator andplunger capable of improving effectiveness where a tampon is used forcontraceptive, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer withdrawal string,suitable for both public display and personal or intimate adornment toeliminate the embarrassment and stigma associated with female hygieneproducts and thus able to raise the morale of the user duringmenstruation.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer withdrawal string,suitable for personal or intimate adornment and capable of providinghighly visible reminder a tampon pledget is in place. Inadvertentlyleaving a tampon pledget in place in the vaginal canal may lead to ToxicShock Syndrome (TSS), a serious life-threatening infection.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer withdrawal string,suitable for personal or intimate adornment with an adequate diameter,conventional length and end-stop to obtain the grip necessary to providea more adequate and comfortable pull for removing the tampon pledget.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anintentionally decorated high-fashion designer withdrawal string,suitable for personal or intimate adornment capable of improvingcompliance where a tampon is used for contraceptive, diagnostic ortherapeutic purposes.

SUMMARY

[0016] The aesthetic appearance of the tampon applicator, plunger andwithdrawal string is improved by intentional application of thedecorative arts, making the ensemble a high-fashion designer accessoryin addition to being a feminine hygiene product. Once the tampon pledgetis inserted into the vaginal canal, the withdrawal string becomes anintentional item of personal or intimate adornment in addition to beinga functional means of detection and removal.

[0017] Making the tampon applicator, plunger and withdrawal stringintentionally visible high-fashion accessories and the withdrawal stringan item of personal or intimate adornment eliminates any need fordiscretion. Eliminating the need for discretion frees the user fromembarrassment and consequently raises their morale. As a high-fashionaccessory, the designer tampon applicator, plunger and withdrawal stringbecome a suitable item for public display. This encourages more frequentchanges of tampon, decreasing the risk of a life threatening Toxic ShockSyndrome (TSS) infection. By becoming a high-fashion designer good, thetampon moves from being a feminine hygiene product sold in supermarketsand drug stores to being a couture accessory sold in apparel,department, lingerie, sportswear and swimwear stores. The change inretail outlet will also result in improved morale for the user andothers who may purchase such designer tampons on their behalf.

[0018] By eliminating any need for a reduction in size to facilitatediscretion, an intentionally decorated high-fashion designer tamponapplicator and plunger can deliver a larger tampon pledget. A largertampon pledget provides a more adequate barrier to and increasedabsorption of menstrual flow. The more adequate barrier and increasedabsorption provide greater security from fear of leakage and thusincreased psychological support to the user.

[0019] An intentionally decorated withdrawal string, suitable forpersonal or intimate adornment, makes for a highly visible anddeliberately sought out reminder a tampon is in place. Such a highlyvisible and intentional decoration provides additional security thewithdrawal string will not be overlooked and a tampon inadvertently leftin place. Inadvertently leaving a tampon pledget in place may lead toToxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) a serious life-threatening infection. Freedomfrom fear a tampon will be inadvertently left in place provides anadditional dimension of psychological support to the user.

[0020] An intentionally decorated withdrawal string, suitable forpersonal or intimate adornment, also provides the diameter, conventionallength and end-stop needed to enhance grip. Existing conventional lengthwithdrawal strings may be converted as intentionally decoratedwithdrawal strings as well. Enhanced grip is needed to obtain theadequate pull required to remove of the tampon pledget. Certainty ofremoval provides a further additional dimension of psychological supportto the user.

[0021] Where the purpose of the tampon is contraceptive, diagnostic ortherapeutic, a high-fashion designer applicator, plunger and withdrawalstring can be expected to increase compliance. An aesthetically pleasingnon-medical high-fashion designer applicator and plunger will encourageuse. A designer withdrawal string suitable for personal or intimateadornment will encourage retention where this is required. Catamenial,contraceptive, diagnostic, and therapeutic tampons can be made outwardlyindistinguishable. Since the designer tampon is in part fashionaccessory, its underlying purpose, whether catamenial, contraceptive,diagnostic or therapeutic, is not revealed either before or during use.In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a decorated tamponapplicator that has an elongated tube designed to hold a tampon pledget,said tube having: a smooth outer and inner surface, and first and secondspaced apart ends. The decorated tampon applicator also has a plungerhaving an outer periphery, said plunger being telescopically mounted inthe first end of the tube. The outer surface and the outer peripheryinclude one or more decorative patterns.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is a tamponapplicator device that has a tampon pledget, an elongated tube capableof holding the tampon pledget. The tube has a smooth outer and innersurface, and first and second spaced apart ends. The tampon applicatordevice also has a plunger having an outer periphery, said plunger beingtelescopically mounted in the first end of the tube, and a tassel memberextending from the tampon pledget. This tassel member has a cord memberof conventional length comprising at least one cord, said cord memberhaving a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to thetampon pledget; and a skirt extending from the second end of the cordmember.

[0023] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is atampon applicator device of above further comprising a decorativepattern on the outer surface and the outer periphery.

[0024] These and other embodiments of the present invention are furthermade apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those ofordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more fully describe embodiments of the presentinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Thesedrawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of theinvention, but are merely illustrative.

[0026]FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a plunger type tampon showingan outer tube or applicator containing the tampon pledget, an inner tubeor plunger used to expel the pledget and a withdrawal string passingthrough the plunger and attached to the pledget, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a view of a decorated tampon applicator and plunger,according to an embodiment of the present invention..

[0028]FIG. 3 is a view of the tampon pledget with a tasseled withdrawalstring, the tassel comprising of a cord, mold, skirt and ruff, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a view of the tampon pledget with a soft tasselwithdrawal string with the cord bound directly to the skirt, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a view of a preferred embodiment of a tampon applicatorwith a tampon pledget, an elongated tube for holding the tampon pledget,a plunger that is telescopically mounted in the elongated tube, a tasselmember extending from the tampon pledget which has a cord member, oneend attached to the tampon pledget and the other end of which has askirt extending therefrom. The cord member further includes a cord thatforms a loop.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 5 except the elongated tube and the plunger havea decorative pattern on their outer surfaces.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord memberand the skirt, and the mold is covered by rolling a fine cord thereon.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord member and theskirt, and the mold is covered by rolling a gimp thereon.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord member and theskirt, and the mold is covered with yarn.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord member and theskirt, and the mold is a bull-shaped end grip.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord member and theskirt, and the mold is decorated by a beading.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 with a mold interposed between the cord member and theskirt, and the mold is decorated by a netting.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 where the skirt is a bullion skirt.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 where the skirt is decorated by a plurality ofoverbullions.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 where the skirt is bound to the cord member.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the tasselmember of FIG. 5 where the skirt is netted to the cord member.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 7 except the elongated tube and the plunger havea decorative pattern on their outer surfaces.

[0043]FIG. 18 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 8.

[0044]FIG. 19 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 9.

[0045]FIG. 20 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 10.

[0046]FIG. 21 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 11.

[0047]FIG. 22 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 12.

[0048]FIG. 23 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 13.

[0049]FIG. 24 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 14.

[0050]FIG. 25 is a view of another preferred embodiment of the subjectinvention shown in FIG. 17 with a tassel of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The description above and below and the drawings of the presentdocument focus on one or more currently preferred embodiments of thepresent invention and also describe some exemplary optional featuresand/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for thepurpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill inthe art would recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives.Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within thescope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are forconvenience only.

[0052] A high-fashion designer tampon applicator and plunger may beintentionally ornamented with decorative patterns in any way known tothose skilled in the visual and tactile arts.

[0053] Decorative patterns of the tampon applicator and plunger mayinclude, but are not limited to, any full or partial combination ofmatching or contrasting colors, shades, fluorescents, metallics,patterns, designs, graphics, logos, flags or pictures. Decorativepatterns of the tampon applicator and plunger may also include, but isnot limited to any full or partial combination of matching orcontrasting surface textures, finishes, applique, embossing, engraving,inscribing or molding placed on a smooth surface applicator and plunger.Decorative patterns may further include one or more animal prints, suchas tiger, leopard or zebra skin.

[0054] Decorative patterns, coloring, or other ornamentation make thetampon applicator and plunger a high-fashion accessory rather than a“feminine hygiene” product. The decorative patterns on a designer tamponapplicator and plunger can be likened to such ornamented fashionaccessories such as hats, belts, purses, scarves or even jewelry. Thisdecoration makes the designer tampon and plunger suitable for publicdisplay. Making the tampon applicator and plunger suitable for publicdisplay meets the objectives of removing embarrassment, eliminatingstigma, and consequently raising the morale of the user.

[0055] Since the designer tampon applicator and plunger is intended forpublic display, eliminating the need for discretion will encourage theuser to frequently change her tampon pledget. Encouraging frequentchanges in tampon pledget decreases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome(TSS), a serious life-threatening infection.

[0056] Since the designer tampon applicator and plunger is intended forpublic display, it is not limited in size by the need for discretion.Removing the limitation in size meets the objective of allowing thedesigner tampon applicator to deliver a larger tampon pledget that iscapable of providing a more adequate barrier and increased absorption ofmenstrual flow.

[0057] Given the designer tampon applicator and plunger areaesthetically pleasing in appearance, it can be expected to meet theobjective of increasing compliance where a tampon is used forcontraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. This is because adesigner tampon is more pleasing, and less embarrassing to use, than acontraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutic device. The designer tamponapplicator and plunger makes a contraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutictampon more pleasing to use because it is a high fashion accessorysuitable for public display. The designer tampon applicator and plungermakes a contraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutic tampon lessembarrassing to use because it diverts attention from purpose andtowards appearance. A designer tampon applicator and plunger makescontraceptive, diagnostic and therapeutic tampons indistinguishable fromcatamenial tampons. The possibility of anonymous contraceptive,diagnostic or therapeutic use increases the probability of compliance.

[0058] The high-fashion designer withdrawal string may be made of aplurality of materials and intentionally decorated in any way known tothose skilled in the art of passementerie. Passementerie is the art ofmaking fringes, tassels and cords to embellish upholstery, softfurnishings and clothing.

[0059] A tassel is a decoration made of bunched loose threads, which aretied together at one end. Tassels typically comprise of four parts: thecord, the mold, the skirt and the ruff.

[0060] The function of the cord is to attach the tampon pledget to thetassel. A conventional length of cord typically comprises of two, threeor four strands of yarn spun in either a clockwise S twist or acounter-clockwise Z twist. Cords are then plied together in the oppositedirection to create the thickness and visual effect desired. The cord orloop of cord is typically attached to the tassel by being threadedthrough the mold. However, a “soft tassel” can be made without a mold byattaching the cord to the skirt.

[0061] The mold is typically, but not necessarily, a turned wood shapewith a central hole for the suspending cord. The mold may have anarrowed “waist” for external attachment of the fringed skirt. Such moldhaving a rounded swollen protruding part with a narrow waist is said tobe bull-shaped. A mold is made into a bull-shape by any means known tothose familiar with shaping the material used to make the mold. Forexample, drilling and turning can be used to shape a wood mold.Alternatively the mold may be hollowed at one end for internalattachment of the fringed skirt. The mold may be made of any materialknown to those skilled in the art, such as plastic, ceramic, or glass.The mold may be decorated by horizontal rolling, vertical stripping,netting or snailing (trellising) with cord. For instance, the rollingmay involve rolling a gimp, i.e., winding the mold with a spiral ofgimp, which is a relatively expensive thread wound around a core of lessexpensive thread. Other fine cords may be rolled to cover or form themold. Netting refers to covering the mold with a net, typically formedof detached buttonhole stitching. When something is “netted,” ittypically involves a means of securing the skirt of a soft tassel to thesuspension cord with a net, typically formed of detached buttonholestitching, as in a netted cap. Trellising refers to crisscrossing andbinding the exterior yarns of the skirt or crisscrossing and binding theyarns of an overskirt. Each technique can be applied alone or incombination to create the desired visual effect. As an alternative tocovering with yarn, the mold may be painted or otherwise decorated inany way known to those skilled in the art. For example, where plastic isused for the mold, it may be colored in any way known to those skilledin the art. Where ceramic is used, it may be enameled in any way knownto those skilled in the art. Where glass is used, it may be molded, cutor stained in any way known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] The skirt is the fringing which hangs down from the mold. Thereare two basic types of skirt: 1) a cut skirt of loose yarn, or 2) abullion skirt where the yarn twists back on itself in a folded loop. Onetype of bullion is an overbullion. Overbullions are thicker looped cordsthat are spaced around the skirt and may have tufts at the bottom.Overbullions may be made by twisting up yarn so tightly that it spinsback on itself, forming a loop with an uncut edge. Each type of skirtmay be used alone or in combination to create the desired visual effect.Alternatively, a squab skirt can be made by keeping the skirt short andtying it near the mid-point. The skirt may also be hung with jasmines(four leaf flowers), drops of beads, pom-poms, tufts or other decorativedevices known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] The ruff is a decorative device used to cover the joins where thedifferent parts of the tassel meet. For example, a ruff may be appliedwhere the cord meets the mold and where the mold meets the skirt.

[0064] In a “soft tassel” without a mold, binding, netting, or snailing,either alone or in combination, may be used to cover the joint betweenthe cord and the skirt.

[0065] Intentional decoration of the withdrawal string may include, butis not limited to, a single tassel or multiple tassels consisting ofbut, not limited to, a single or looped cord, mold, skirt and ruff. Thecord, which is attached at one end to the tampon pledget, may consist ofa single or multiple strands, and each strand may be of a differentmaterial or color. The mold may be of a simple or complex design, andone or more molds may be threaded on the cord. In addition to or as analternative to one or more molds, beads may be threaded along the cord.Beading refers to covering a structure such as the mold with beads.Beading may be done by attaching beads to the mold by any procedureknown to those skilled in the art. For example, a mold may be coveredwith adhesive and dipped in fine beads. Rolling, striping, netting, andsnailing, either alone or in any combination, may or may not be used tocover the mold or molds. As an alternative to covering with yarn, themold may be painted or otherwise decorated. Where a material other thanturned wood is used for the mold, it may be formed or decorated in anyway appropriate to that material. In such case where no turned wood moldis used, knotting, binding, netting, snailing, or otherwise attachingthe cord or cords directly to the skirt can make a “soft tassel”. Forexample, the “mold” may comprise of a knot, or the skirt may betrellised as a result of snailing, etc.. The skirt may be a cut skirt,bullion skirt or combination skirt. The skirt may be made of the same ordifferent material to cord. The skirt may be of matching or contrastingcolors to the cord. The skirt may be a squab skirt. The skirt may or maynot also include jasmines, drops of beads, pom-poms, tufts or otherdecorative devices.

[0066] A decorative tassel makes the withdrawal string a high-fashionaccessory rather than a “feminine hygiene” product. The tasseledwithdrawal string can be likened to such ornamented fashion accessoriessuch as hats, belts, purses, scarves or even jewelry. The tasseledwithdrawal string can be further likened to swimwear, sportswear orlingerie. The tasseled decoration makes the designer withdrawal stringsuitable for public display and personal or intimate adornment. Makingthe withdrawal string suitable for public display and personal orintimate adornment meets the objectives of removing embarrassment,eliminating stigma, and consequently raising the morale of the user.

[0067] A decorative tassel makes the withdrawal string highly visible.This meets the objective of providing a highly visible reminder to theuser that a tampon is in place. Avoiding inadvertently leaving a tamponpledget in place decreases the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), aserious life-threatening infection.

[0068] A decorative tassel ensures that a withdrawal string has anadequate diameter and end stop. The cord provides an adequate diameter,and the mold, bead or “soft tassel” forms an adequate end stop. Togetherwith the mold, bead or “soft tassel,” the cord meets the objective ofincreasing the grip needed to facilitate removal of the tampon.

[0069] Given the tasseled designer withdrawal string is aestheticallypleasing in appearance, it can also be expected to meet the objective ofincreasing compliance where a tampon is used for contraceptive,diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. This is because a tasseled designerwithdrawal string is more pleasing, and less embarrassing to use, than acontraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutic device. The tasseled designerwithdrawal string makes a contraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutictampon more pleasing to use because it is a high fashion accessoryintended for personal or intimate adornment. The tasseled designerwithdrawal string makes a contraceptive, diagnostic, or therapeutictampon less embarrassing to use because it diverts attention from theunderlying purpose of the tampon by focusing attention on personal orintimate adornment. A designer withdrawal string makes, contraceptive,diagnostic and therapeutic tampons indistinguishable from catamenialtampons. The possibility of anonymous contraceptive, diagnostic ortherapeutic use increases the probability of compliance.

[0070] It is anticipated that such a high-fashion designer tamponapplicator, plunger and withdrawal string will be readily incorporatedinto coordinated sets of lingerie, sportswear, swimwear or otherclothing.

[0071] Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments aregiven with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciatedby those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can beembodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the artwould be able to practice such other embodiments without undueexperimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose ofthe present patent document, is not limited merely to the specificexample embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather isindicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within themeaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to beconsidered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A decorated tampon applicator comprising: (a) an elongated tube designed to hold a tampon pledget, said tube having: i) a smooth outer surface and a smooth inner surface; and ii) first and second spaced apart ends; and (b) a plunger having an outer periphery and an inner periphery, said plunger being telescopically mounted in the first end of the tube; wherein the smooth outer surface and the outer periphery includes one or more decorative patterns.
 2. A tampon applicator device comprising: (a) a tampon pledget; (b) an elongated tube capable of holding the tampon pledget, said tube having: i) a smooth outer surface and a smooth inner surface; and ii) first and second spaced apart ends; (c) a plunger having an outer periphery, said plunger being telescopically mounted in the first end of the tube; and (d) a tassel member extending from the tampon pledget, comprising: i) a cord member having a conventional length for a tampon and comprising at least one cord, said cord member having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the tampon pledget; and ii) a skirt extending from the second end of the cord member.
 3. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the cord member has a length no longer than about 3 inches.
 4. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the cord member comprises a cord forming a loop.
 5. The tampon applicator device of claim 2 further comprising a decorative pattern on the outer surface and the outer periphery.
 6. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the cord member comprises a cord forming a loop.
 7. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is bound to the cord member.
 8. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is knotted to the cord member.
 9. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is netted to the cord member.
 10. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is directly attached to the cord member.
 11. The tampon applicator device of claim 2 further comprising a mold interposed between the cord member and the skirt.
 12. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a fine cord thereon.
 13. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a gimp thereon.
 14. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is covered with yarn.
 15. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is painted.
 16. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is a knot.
 17. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is a bull-shaped end grip.
 18. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold comprises one or more mold pieces being threaded along the cord.
 19. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is decorated by a beading.
 20. The tampon applicator device of claim 11, wherein the mold is decorated by netting.
 21. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is a cut skirt.
 22. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is a bullion skirt.
 23. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is decorated by a plurality of overbullions.
 24. The tampon applicator device of claim 2, wherein the skirt is trellised.
 25. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is bound to the cord member.
 26. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is knotted to the cord member.
 27. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is netted to the cord member.
 28. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is directly attached to the cord member.
 29. The tampon applicator device of claim 5 further comprising a mold interposed between the cord member and the skirt.
 30. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a fine cord thereon.
 31. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is covered by rolling a gimp thereon.
 32. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is covered with yarn.
 33. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is painted.
 34. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is a knot.
 35. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is a bull-shaped end grip.
 36. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold comprises one or more mold pieces being threaded along the cord.
 37. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is decorated by a beading.
 38. The tampon applicator device of claim 29, wherein the mold is decorated by netting.
 39. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is a cut skirt.
 40. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is a bullion skirt.
 41. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is decorated by a plurality of overbullions.
 42. The tampon applicator device of claim 5, wherein the skirt is trellised. 